Blog – Page 53 – Football Flame

Blog

Spalletti: ‘Italy could not have done more,’ takes blame off Pellegrini
SERIE A

Spalletti: ‘Italy could not have done more,’ takes blame off Pellegrini

Luciano Spalletti concedes the red card ‘threw everything out the window’ in Italy’s 2-2 draw with Belgium, but takes some of the blame off Lorenzo Pellegrini for that incident. ‘We could not have done more.’ They had got off to the ideal start at the Stadio Olimpico when Andrea Cambiaso put the ball in the net within 61 seconds, followed soon after by Mateo Retegui’s tap-in from another save on Cambiaso. However, with the Azzurri seemingly in complete and total control at 2-0, Pellegrini lunged into a red card offence on Arthur Theate and Italy went down to 10 men, allowing Maxim De Cuyper and Leandro Trossard to equalise for Belgium. “There are incidents that can throw everything you prepared and did out the window,” confessed Spalletti in his press conference. “We must be better at reac...
Lewandowski praises Ronaldo for maintaining top form at 39
LALIGA

Lewandowski praises Ronaldo for maintaining top form at 39

Polish star striker Robert Lewandowski has praised Cristiano Ronaldo for maintaining the passion and desire for football at 39 years old and being an inspiration to many. "I fully acknowledge what Cristiano Ronaldo has accomplished throughout his career and how he's made history with his records. That will be etched in football forever," Lewandowski told beIN SPORTS. "At almost 40, he still has an incredible hunger to win," he added. On Oct. 12, Lewandowski with Poland will play Ronaldo's Portugal at Warsaw in the Nations League. According to the Polish striker, if Ronaldo no longer showed anger or passion on the pitch, he would have said goodbye to top-level football. "He clearly still has the desire, and he looks physically in very good shape, which shows that the path he chose was succe...
Real Madrid eye William Saliba transfer as Mikel Arteta mistake identified
PREMIER LEAGUE

Real Madrid eye William Saliba transfer as Mikel Arteta mistake identified

Arsenal are in the midst of another international break and the Gunners will be hoping they can pick up where they left off when they return to action. Since their dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester City last month, Arsenal have won their last four games across all competitions and scored 14 goals in the process. They will travel to Bournemouth on October 19 when the break is over, before hosting Shakhtar Donetsk and Liverpool the following week. And while many of Arsenal's stars are now focused on their international fixtures, there is still plenty of news coming out of the Emirates. Here, Football Flame takes a look over the latest headlines. Real Madrid eye Saliba Real Madrid have made William Saliba their "top priority" ahead of the summer transfer window, according to French outlet Le...
Nations League wrap: Belgium battle back in Italy
NEWS

Nations League wrap: Belgium battle back in Italy

Italy were held to a 2-2 draw by Belgium after Lorenzo Pellegrini was sent off and they squandered a 2-0 lead but remained top of Nations League A Group 2. Italy scored in the first minute when winger Federico Di Marco fired a low cross into the box and Belgium keeper Koen Casteels saved the first shot from Andrea Cambiaso who bundled in the rebound. The hosts doubled the lead in the 24th minute when Di Marco volleyed the ball across the field to Cambiaso who was denied a second by Casteels before striker Mateo Retegui knocked in the loose ball. Coach Luciano Spalletti's team were cruising until midfielder Pellegrini was sent off for hitting Belgium defender Arthur Theate at the end of the first half, following a VAR review. The red card galvanised the Belgians and they immediately hit bac...
Man Utd defender Noussair Mazraoui undergoes heart procedure after Aston Villa substitution
PREMIER LEAGUE

Man Utd defender Noussair Mazraoui undergoes heart procedure after Aston Villa substitution

Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui is expected to be out for a few weeks after undergoing a minor heart procedure, club sources have said. Mazraoui was substituted at half-time of United’s 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday after feeling unwell and subsequently pulled out of Morocco’s squad ahead of the international break after complaining of heart palpitations. The 26-year-old, signed by United from Bayern Munich for around £15 million this summer, has since successfully undergone a corrective procedure to address the irregularity. United described Mazraoui’s condition as “relatively common” and said they expected him to make a full recovery and be available for selection again within the next few weeks. This is not the first time that Mazraoui has been affected by a heart con...
Wojciech Szczesny refuses to quit smoking after he signs for Barcalona
TRANSFERS

Wojciech Szczesny refuses to quit smoking after he signs for Barcalona

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has struck a defiant tone about his smoking habit, saying 'it's nobody else's business' but his own. Wojciech Szczesny of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League match between FC Barcelona and BSC Young Boys at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain, on October 2, 2024. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images) The Polish keeper has recently made a shock return to football having signed for Barcelona as a free agent following an injury to long-term No1, Marc-Andre ter Stegen,The 34-year-old had announced his retirement from football at the end of last season, having spent seven years at Serie A giants, Juventus. Now, Szczesny's private life has been brought into renewed focus after he was spotted smok...
Portugal lineup vs. Poland: Predicted XI for UEFA Nations League contest
NEWS

Portugal lineup vs. Poland: Predicted XI for UEFA Nations League contest

After claiming maximum points in September, League A Group 1 pace-setters Portugal will be aiming to maintain their 100% record in this season's UEFA Nations League when meeting Poland on Saturday. OEIRAS, PORTUGAL - OCTOBER 9: Head Coach Roberto Martinez of Portugal in action during the Portugal Training Session at Cidade do Futebol FPF on October 9, 2024 in Oeiras, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images) It remains to be seen whether head coach Roberto Martinez restores his star player to the Selecao's starting lineup, as Cristiano Ronaldo was benched against Scotland last time out, before coming off the bench to spectacular effect. His impact - most notably scoring a late winner at Hampden - bolstered the 39-year-old's claims for selection ahead of Liverpool forward ...
Alvaro Morata says depression and panic attacks made him fear he would miss Euro 2024
NEWS

Alvaro Morata says depression and panic attacks made him fear he would miss Euro 2024

Alvaro Morata says he has experienced depression and panic attacks as a result of being a professional footballer, to the point that he feared he would not be able to play in the European Championship last summer. Alvaro Morata of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A Enilive match between ACF Fiorentina and AC Milan at Stadio Artemio Franchi on October 06, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Spain won the tournament in style, beating England in the final, with Morata the captain and focal point of Luis de la Fuente’s attack. But the 31-year-old says he has suffered as a result of the consistent criticism he has received during his career and became “embarrassed” to be seen in the street with his children. “When you have really tough time...
Injured Harry Kane Won’t Start England’s Nations League Clash With Greece
NEWS

Injured Harry Kane Won’t Start England’s Nations League Clash With Greece

England interim boss Lee Carsley has revealed Harry Kane will not be in the starting line-up for Thursday's Nations League clash with Greece as his captain recovers from injury. BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Harry Kane of England talks to Ashley Cole, Interim Assistant Head Coach, and Lee Carsley, Interim Head Coach of England, during a training session at St Georges Park on October 09, 2024 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) Kane suffered the knock in a collision while playing for Bayern Munich in their 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend. The 31-year-old striker -- England's record goal-scorer -- has been unable to train with the rest of the squad since linking up on Monday. Kane was limited to...
Marc Casado shares how Hansi Flick is now helping him to improve
LALIGA

Marc Casado shares how Hansi Flick is now helping him to improve

Many players have had a remarkable run under Hansi Flick at FC Barcelona but no one has impressed more than Marc Casado. The ex-Barca Athletic captain’s unexpected breakthrough has come as a surprise to one and all. Marc Casado of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 match between FC Barcelona and BSC Young Boys at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain, on October 2, 2024. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Casado has emerged as the first-choice under Hansi Flick in midfield alongside Pedri. After the injury to Marc Bernal, Barcelona were scrambling for options to play in defensive midfield and the 21-year-old put his hand up and has made that position his own. His good form early in the season has earned him a call-up to ...
Bayern Munich face new hurdle in their pursuit of Germany star
BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich face new hurdle in their pursuit of Germany star

Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly looking to extend the contract of Florian Wirtz, which would complicate a transfer to Bayern Munich next summer. LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 5: Florian Wirtz of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Holstein Kiel at BayArena on October 5, 2024 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images) It is no secret that Bayern Munich will go all out for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz next summer. The German star is Die Roten’s top target to strengthen the attack. Wirtz has been consistently linked with a move to Bavaria over the last few years.Bayern will face competition from several big clubs in Europe for the German international. Wirtz reportedly prefers a move to Munich ...
Official: Jürgen Klopp becomes Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull group
NEWS

Official: Jürgen Klopp becomes Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull group

For Jürgen Klopp, inevitably, there was always going to be a next job after managing Liverpool, with few ever expecting the 57-year-old German to give up the game for good even if it was clear he needed a break and might never re-embrace the stressful life of a manager of a high level football club. LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool FC shows appreciation to the fans after his final match in charge following the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on May 19, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images) Today, we know what that next job will be: Klopp will become Head of Soccer for Red Bull group, a role tailor made for him by Oliver Mintzlaff, with the Red Bull Cor...
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni provides injury update on Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister
NEWS

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni provides injury update on Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister

Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister is an injury doubt for Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers, coach Lionel Scaloni has admitted. Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between AC Milan and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on September 17, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Reds boss Arne Slot was unsure if Mac Allister would even join up with the Argentina squad after being forced to replace the midfielder at half-time of their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday. The 25-year-old picked up a groin injury and has linked up with his international team-mates, but may not feature in their World Cup qualifier against Venezuela on Thursday."He is training separately,” Scaloni...
Lamine Yamal tips €15m Barcelona teammate to win Pichichi
LALIGA

Lamine Yamal tips €15m Barcelona teammate to win Pichichi

FC Barcelona have had an excellent start to life under Hansi Flick. The German coach has revitalized the team and made them play a brand of football that is exciting. After a couple of seasons of pragmatism under Xavi, this feels like a breath of fresh air. Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 match between FC Barcelona and BSC Young Boys at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain, on October 2, 2024. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Flick has managed to recapture the best of Robert Lewandowski, the 36-year-old Polish striker. He now has 12 goals from 11 games across all competitions, which puts him ahead of Manchester City star Erling Haaland on the European level. Lewandowski has been ...
Guardiola contract boost, De Bruyne extension, Messi reunion – Man City Club World Cup latest
PREMIER LEAGUE

Guardiola contract boost, De Bruyne extension, Messi reunion – Man City Club World Cup latest

In normal circumstances, a chance for Manchester City to defend their title as world champions in a major showpiece tournament would be one they would relish. However, the expansion of the FIFA Club World Cup from seven teams to 32 has been beset by delays, controversies and criticism. Pep Guardiola has insisted City will travel to the USA with a full squad and with the intention to defend their crown - but he has been equally critical of the new format that will extend City's season into 12 months. Guardiola is out of contract midway through the tournament, while Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne are in the same position. FIFA recently introduced rules to account for such situations, handing City a potential triple contract boost - although Guardiola reacted angrily when he learned of ru...
Torres sends out message after being ruled out through injury
LALIGA

Torres sends out message after being ruled out through injury

Ferran Torres has posted a motivational message after being ruled out of action with an injury picked up in Sunday’s La Liga win over Alaves. The Barcelona forward only lasted a few minutes before having to go off with a hamstring problem that is set to keep him sidelined for several weeks. There’s no doubt it’s a blow for Ferran but he’s in positive mood as he focuses on his recovery. He wrote on Instagram: “Wins, joy and motivation are all I need to work and come back stronger. From today, more than ever, #FerrantheShark mode modo ” Ferran had featured in all but one of Barca’s La Liga games under Hansi Flick so far this season, making five starts and three appearances off the bench. He’s bagged one goal and two assists but hasn’t managed to shine as brightly as fellow attackers Lamine ...
Juventus and Pogba to part ways after doping ban cut
SERIE A

Juventus and Pogba to part ways after doping ban cut

Paul Pogba's doping suspension was cut from four years to 18 months after experts supported the French international's claims of having unintentionally ingested a banned substance, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Monday. The France international was provisionally suspended by Italy's national anti-doping organisation (NADO Italia) in September 2023 after testing positive for DHEA – a banned substance that raises levels of testosterone. CAS reduced the sentence last week, with Pogba saying his "nightmare is over". The 31-year-old, who has a contract with Italy's Juventus until June 2026, will be eligible to return to football in March. In a statement, CAS said Pogba had argued that his ingestion of DHEA was not intentional and had occurred after he consumed a supplement pre...
Leroy Sané to stay at Bayern Munich at all costs
BUNDESLIGA

Leroy Sané to stay at Bayern Munich at all costs

Leroy Sané’s contract at Bayern Munich is set to expire in June of 2025, but the club wants to keep him in Munich at all costs, but is it for the right reasons? Sané has had inconsistent seasons at Bayern Munich for the last couple of years, and it is no secret that the club is constantly monitoring his situation. However, according to a new report (via Matteo Moretto, captured by @iMiaSanMia), Bayern wants to avoid letting him go, no matter what. Since the German international’s contract is set to expire next year, chances are that, if he leaves, he will be leaving on a free transfer. The club wants to avoid this at all costs, and renew his contract at the earliest. However, this has not stopped interested clubs from monitoring his situation, including FC Barcelona. Hansi Flick would lo...
Mbappe under fire for skipping France matches while fit to play for Real Madrid
NEWS

Mbappe under fire for skipping France matches while fit to play for Real Madrid

LILLE, FRANCE - OCTOBER 2: Kylian Mbappe #9 of Real Madrid controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between LOSC Lille and Real Madrid C.F. at Stade Pierre Mauroy on October 2, 2024 in Lille, France. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images) France captain Kylian Mbappe is facing criticism in his home country for skipping Les Bleus’ Nations League games against Israel and Belgium while being available to play for Real Madrid. The forward picked up a muscle injury last month but made his return to the pitch in the Champions League last Wednesday. France coach Didier Deschamps left Mbappe out of the squad he announced on Thursday, saying the 25-year-old lacked preparation, having played too few matches.Mbappe started Real’s La Liga game a...
Harry Kane given green light for England duty but injured trio pull out of squad
NEWS

Harry Kane given green light for England duty but injured trio pull out of squad

Harry Kane has been given the green light to play for England following an injury scare but Ezri Konsa, Kobbie Mainoo and Morgan Gibbs-White have been ruled out of Nations League action. FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 06: Harry Kane of Bayern Munich receives medical treatment during the Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Bayern München at Deutsche Bank Park on October 06, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by M. Donato/FC Bayern via Getty Images) The England captain limped off and was substituted in the 72nd minute of Bayern Munich’s 3-3 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt, moments after requiring treatment following a clash with Brazilian defender Tuta. Kane travelled directly to St George’s Park and, after being examined by Football Association doctors, ...
Blogarama - Blog Directory